Makar Sankranti 2025: Why Does The Date Of Makar Sankranti Change Every 72 Years? Know The Mystery Behind It
Makar Sankranti is a significant festival in Hinduism dedicated to the worship of the Sun. In 2025, this festival is being celebrated on January 14.
Makar Sankranti 2025: Makar Sankranti, the festival marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn, is celebrated annually on January 14 or 15. This year, the festival will be observed on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. The occasion holds immense significance, with rituals such as bathing, charity, and worshipping the Sun being central to the celebrations. For decades, the festival has consistently been celebrated on these two dates.
However, in the future, the festival will shift to January 16 instead of January 14 or 15. Here’s why.
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The Science Behind The Date Shift:
According to the experts, Makar Sankranti is celebrated when the Sun completes its journey through Sagittarius and enters Capricorn. Every year, the Sun’s transition into Capricorn is delayed by approximately 20 minutes. This gradual delay accumulates over time, leading to a one-hour lag every three years. Over a span of 72 years, this delay adds up to an entire day, causing the date of Makar Sankranti to shift forward.
Historical Dates Of Makar Sankranti:
From 1902 to the present, Makar Sankranti has been celebrated on January 14 or 15. However, in the 18th century, the festival occurred earlier, on January 12 or 13.
During King Harshavardhana’s reign, the festival was celebrated on December 24.
During Emperor Akbar’s rule, it fell on January 10.
During Shivaji’s lifetime, Makar Sankranti occurred on January 11.
As per current predictions, the festival will continue to be observed on January 14 or 15 until 2077.
Makar Sankranti Was Celebrated On January 1:
Astrological estimates suggest that the Sun’s movement is slowing by 20 seconds annually. Based on this calculation, it is believed that Makar Sankranti was celebrated on January 1 nearly 1,000 years ago. Looking ahead, it is projected that 5,000 years from now, the festival will be observed at the end of February.
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